Gillan made her directorial debut with The Party’s Just Beginning this year, which was shot partly in her hometown of InvernessDAVID M. BENETT/GETTY IMAGES

“When I was young, I thought directors had to be men, because I never saw a woman director,” says Karen Gillan, shaking her head in disbelief. “So I didn’t think I wouldn’t be allowed to direct; it just never crossed my mind. That’s what has to change.”

Gillan will be in Edinburgh next month as patron of the Edinburgh International Film Festival’s Young & the Wild strand, designed to inspire young audiences. This year’s films and guests also offer a snapshot of some of Scotland’s new leading ladies, and a film industry trying to embrace change.

Now 30, Gillan came to attention with three series as Doctor Who’s fiery assistant Amy Pond, then had herself killed off, and moved to America.

Since then, she has…

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